Conflict arises at Wests Tigers as the highest-ranking executive, engaged in a dispute with coach Benji Marshall.

The Wests Tigers have terminated the contract of recruitment manager Scott Fulton due to his tumultuous relationship with the team’s new coach, Benji Marshall, which gained attention last season. Fulton was reportedly informed of his dismissal by Tigers CEO Shane Richardson on Tuesday morning.

Fulton’s appointment to the position took place without the knowledge of Marshall and his predecessor as head coach, Tim Sheens. Additionally, Fulton has allegedly criticized Marshall’s coaching abilities in the past, leading to strained relations between the two over several months.

Fulton, a veteran recruitment manager, played a role in bringing highly regarded brothers Latu and Samuela Fainu to the Tigers for the 2024 season, along with former Dragons star Jayden Sullivan. However, conflicts arose, particularly regarding recruitment targets. Fulton advocated for the signing of Manly five-eighth Josh Schuster, a move not supported by the coach.

Despite being in the role for only eight months, Fulton had been appointed by the ousted chairman Lee Hagipantelis and CEO Justin Pascoe in May of the previous year. Expressing disappointment upon his dismissal, Fulton mentioned his positive experience under the previous management and the achievements made in a short period.

Last July, Hagipantelis acknowledged “professional tension” between Fulton and Marshall but did not disclose the reasons behind Fulton’s appointment without informing Marshall or Sheens. In December, the entire Tigers board underwent a restructuring following a club review. Chairman Lee Hagipantelis and the entire board were voted out, and CEO Justin Pascoe resigned.

The drastic action was taken in response to consecutive wooden spoons and a series of coaching changes, including departures by Tim Sheens, Ivan Cleary, and Michael McGuire. Marshall, a beloved figure at the club and a 2005 Premiership winner, now faces the challenging task of revitalizing the team as a rookie coach amidst boardroom upheavals. Shareholders supported sweeping changes after an independent review of the club’s governance.

Former NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and South Sydney Rabbitohs boss Shane Richardson will take on leadership roles at the club on an interim basis following the extensive changes. However, these sweeping changes carry the potential to jeopardize the club financially. The future of the sponsorship from Hagipantelis’ Brydens Lawyers is now uncertain.

The restructuring of the club’s board reveals three distinct factions: the Holman Barnes Group, Wests, and Balmain. Despite the potential financial risks, the directors associated with the Holman Barnes Group opted for self-sacrifice, voting in favor of the changes even though it meant relinquishing their own positions on the board.

Chairman of the Holman Barnes Group, Tony Andreacchio, emphasized the necessity of these changes, citing the club’s 12-year absence from the finals as a compelling reason for the overhaul.